Frances Bishop, children's clothing company owner.

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Biography: Frances Bishop is hoping that "The Apprentice" crown will be another milestone in her "lively life," which involes running The Pud Store. Despite being married to Scunthorpe United footballer Neal Bishop, the 25-year-old says she is "anti-wag," and believes everyone should have their own money and independence.

She says: 'I’m a pocket rocket. I’m quite fiery and live by the rule ‘kill them with kindness.’'

Samuel Boateng, sales manager, Toyota.

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Biography: Samuel Boateng thinks his charm and charisma will be important to winning over Lord Sugar. The sales manager from London is relying on his "god-given" talent for selling.

He says: "My wife calls me Mr President."

Jessica Cunningham, online fashion entrepreneur.

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Biography: Jessica Cunningham owns online fashion company Prodigal Fox and is also the operations director for a PR and marketing agency. She is a self-confessed "dreamer" and hopes that her positive attitude will secure her progression in the competition.

She says: "A motto I live by is: There is no competition if you're already winning."

Natalie Hughes, hair and beauty salon owner.

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Biography: Natalie Hughes runs Glaswegian salon VIP. The 30-year-old describes herself as a "hustler" who's worked with people from all walks of life.

She says: "My salon's called VIP, so I always say VIP it's the only way to be, I always say look VIP and be VIP."

Rebecca Jeffery, design and marketing agency owner.

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Biography: Rebecca Jeffery believes her chattiness is, in fact, "infectious enthusiasm" and is not to be underestimated. The marketing and design agency owner thinks her likeability will prove a winner when faced with potential clients.

She says: "Why would a nice guy finish last in business?"

Sofiane Khelfa, senior sales executive.

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Biography: Sofiane Khelfa is a senior sales executive for an undisclosed high-end retail store. He says that his ability to forge relationships will shine through in the competition.

He says: "I’m like a chameleon. I adapt to anything, anywhere, anytime."

Aleksandra King, business consultancy owner.

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Biography: Aleksandra King is a business consultancy owner, who can speak seven languages — although one is "cat," so doesn't necessarily qualify. She thinks her "bulldozer" approach will find an affinity with Lord Sugar.

She says: "The only things that I fear are tsunamis, volcanoes and ebola."

Grainne McCoy, make-up studio owner.

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Biography: Northern Ireland's Grainne McCoy owns a make-up business, runs a blog, uploads make-up tutorials on Youtube, and even has a page on IMDB for her roles in make-up design on film productions. She also became a mother at 16.

She says: "My game plan is to honestly be myself."

Karthik Nagesan, IT consultancy owner.

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Biography: Alexander the Great admirer Karthik Nagesan is aiming to take charge. The IT consultancy owner says he is the next "billion dollar unicorn," and believes a firm yet polite approach makes him the ultimate "human magnet."

He says: "If I wanted to be like everyone else, I’d have waxed my monobrow."

Michelle Niziol, property consultancy owner.

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Biography: Michelle Niziol owns three companies and works up to 17 hours a day. One of her firms, Independent Mortgage Solutions, has won awards and the 35-year-old's work ethic comes from bringing up her sister at a young age.

She says: "I can teach Lord Sugar a few things about women in business."

Oliver Nohl-Oser, food distribution business owner.

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Biography: Oliver Nohl-Oser founded and owns The Cumbrian Sausage Company, which exports to UK supermarkets and abroad. The 33-year-old compares himself to a pig, because they are always "rustling around, looking for new places to explore."

He says: "Sometimes I feel like James Bond when I’m in my suit."

Mukai Noiri, digital marketing manager.

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Biography: Mukai Noiri describes his personality as "pizazz, bang, whoosh and... ping pong." The ex-communications manager has lived in six countries across three continents and hopes his international mindset will make him standout.

He says: "I feel sorry for Lord Sugar because previous applicants have been weak."

JD O’Brien, men's clothing company owner.

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Biography: Gravel-voiced JD O’Brien is motivated by one ambition— making money. The 37-year-old owner of beachwear firm Munkle, he compares himself to Scottish liberator William Wallace because he was "hard as nails" and "men followed him."

He says: "I won’t suffer fools. I will get upset by other candidates who don’t know their arse from their elbow."

Alana Spencer, cake company owner.

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Biography: Alana Spencer began her baking company, Narna's Cakes, aged 17 in a small village just outside Aberystwyth. Her cakes are now sold in delis across the country. The Welsh businesswoman believes her strong drive and work ethic will impress Lord Sugar.

She says: "It is much better to ask for forgiveness than permission."

Dillon St. Paul, freelance art director.

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Biography: Freelance art director Dillon St. Paul is not one to mince words and plans on calling out weak links in team tasks. According to his website, the 37-year old Irishman has worked with super-brands like L’Oréal and Chanel.

He says: "Sometimes batting the eyelashes can get you a lot in business. Hence, the mascara comes in handy – so they can see those lashes."

Paul Sullivan, marketing agency owner.

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Biography: "Man's man" Paul Sullivan thinks he and Lord Sugar are very similar — his first job was at a market selling electrical goods. Now the owner of Modedaweb, the 38-year-old hopes consistency and teamwork will be a winning combination.

He says: "I sell without selling."

Trishna Thakrar, recruitment agent.

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Biography: Trishna Thakrar thinks her personality will be a shock for some but eventually win her friends. The 28-year-old recruitment agent hopes her and Lord Sugar's mutual love of Tottenham Hotspur will win her favour.

She says: "My only tactic is to be myself; this alone will make sure I win."

Courtney Wood, novelty gift company owner.

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Biography: Courtney Wood makes novelty gifts, which he ships around the world. The 29-year old Essex boy says the competition will be "pretty easy."

He says: "How would I describe myself in one sentence? I'll give you one word: awesome."